The Duke wrote:
Donstuie wrote:
bluedog wrote:
Donstuie wrote:
Yesterday’s presser was the first time Ive been disappointed in Bolts’ words.
Yesterday was inexcusable and Bolts had the perfect opportunity to really put the blowtorch on the players that delivered that performance.
It wasn’t the time to talk green shoots, injuries, “breaking even in the 2nd half”, list turnover or age profile. It wasn’t the day for sugarcoating.
It was the time to make it clear that no matter the context, lack of effort and application is unacceptable. That’s what we saw, it was clear as day. What irked me most was when he said (paraphrased) that these are professionals who don’t go out and “not try”, when we know from our own captain’s words that this does happen.
I’m still on board, but yesterday was not Bolts’ finest hour.
What would he really be saying behind closed doors?
And what really is the purpose of these press conferences?
To give the supporters insight into what is going on.
Supporters aren't stupid - well, most aren't. You can fool some of the people some of the time etc etc. Green shoots, exciting times, lights at the end of tunnels - doesn't cut it any more.
In the context of a 150-year-old footy club, we're at crisis point. If this continues, the road back will take another 2 decades and will only be complete with multiple flags.
The competition has left us behind. We're the new Fitzroy.
The new Fitzroy.
Before the season started, our midfield would have been Cripps, Murphy, Curnow, Docherty, Kennedy, with cameo appearances from the kids. Instead we have Cripps, Ed and kids. Dow, SPS, Fisher. They're our midfielders. First and second year players.
Murphy, Docherty, Kennedy, all shot with injuries.
Forget forward lines and backlines, the game starts at the contest and we're relying on kids to be our engine room. What makes it worse, our VFL midfield currently consists of non AFL listed players so we cant even bring any strength up. Compounding the issue is Kreuzers inability to compete in the centre square against tall ruck men. On Saturday we had kids playing against Fyfe, Neale, Mundy, Blakely and Sandilands giving them absolute silver service.
We rebuilt our spine. We rebuilt our midfield. The trouble is our kids are currently our midfield. The experienced bigger bodies are not there to carry the load.
If we get to the end of the year and haven't improved significantly with 4+ wins, go your hardest. Until then, look at the reality.